It has been written hurriedly and upon his own
responsibility entirely. Inquiries have shown that his
Ministers know nothing of the matter. At the same time it is
couched in so unfortunate a manner, and certain phrases in it
are of so provocative a character, that its publication would
undoubtedly lead to a most dangerous state of feeling in this
country. There would be such a ferment, sir, that I do not
hesitate to say that within a week of the publication of that
letter this country would be involved in a great war."
Holmes wrote a name upon a slip of paper and handed it to the
Premier.
"Exactly. It was he. And it is this letter -- this letter which
may well mean the expenditure of a thousand millions and the
lives of a hundred thousand men -- which has become lost in this
unaccountable fashion."
"Have you informed the sender?"
"Yes, sir, a cipher telegram has been despatched."
"Perhaps he desires the publication of the letter."
"No, sir, we have strong reason to believe that he already
understands that he has acted in an indiscreet and hot-headed
manner. It would be a greater blow to him and to his country
than to us if this letter were to come out.
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